Motorcycle specifications HondaFMX 650 2005 Access to the Supermotard

the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer couldn't do without a Supermotard model in its range. This category is booming, and everyone's getting into it. Sport or fun, the styles differ somewhat from one manufacturer to another, but the concept is catching on. A direct competitor to the recent Yamaha 660 XT-X, the new and promising 650 FMX.
For its first Supermot', Honda made a point of doing things right. The look of the FMX is very appealing, both playful and sporty, and even muscular with its large 45 mm-diameter inverted fork. The frame is a mono-backbone, the same type as the Hornet 600 and 900. A backbone that should bring rigidity and lightness to the FMX. It also serves as an oil tank. The rear end is by no means the least elaborate. There are 2 (catalyzed) exhausts housed under the seat flanks, with downward-facing outlets. surprising, but according to Honda, the noise of the mono is more "exciting". Between the 2 mufflers is an LED taillight with a design very similar to the brand's sports bikes.
The engine is not so young. It's an ancient but reliable and robust 644 cm3 4-valve mono. Born over 15 years ago, it powered the Dominator as well as the SLR and FX. It doesn't have as much potato as many European mills, but it's pretty well supplied with torque. Largely amortized, it will help keep the price of the machine down.
Supermotard fans will be pleased to see that the major manufacturers are turning their attention to the new wave.
No need to bleed to buy a Vertemati or a €10,000 supermot.

but if it's aimed at the greatest number, it won't be able to excel for everyone. In other words, FMX is aimed at a young, fun-loving public who are discovering this type of machine. Let's take a look at the relationship between you, the youngster, and her, the Honda supermot.
First of all, you've got to love the look. it immediately makes you want to try it out and have fun. And the big inverted fork is a real eye-catcher. All right, there aren't many nags in mono - but you don't care. You don't want to have to deal with 200 goons like Rossi; you want to put the handlebars in the corner and enjoy yourself without having to fight a pack of uncontrollable horses. The good old 650 will never overwhelm you, and it's proven its worth.

The nice thing about Honda bikes, like this FMX, is that you get to grips with it straight away. Climb into the (high) seat, ride for 100 m and you've got it. Pleasant to ride, with just the right amount of pep to keep you entertained, this machine has no intention of going head-to-head with more aggressive models, but will enthusiastically take the budding rider along for the ride. Braking is in keeping with the overall philosophy, and with a dose of experience, you can impress your buddies with a few nice stoppies.
Nice FMX," says the youngster. But the insider with a more discerning eye and senses may be less enthralled. When you've got a bit of experience, less than 40 hp is really just enough to have fun - especially as the mill doesn't like low or high revs. The chassis is certainly precise, but the firm suspension undermines comfort as soon as the road is no longer a billiard table. Finally, the price, even if it doesn't reach the heights of a Vertemati SM 570, is sobering: almost the same as that of a DRZ 400 SM, which is more modern, sportier and more fun. Honda could have made an effort on the price, especially as the engine isn't the latest technology. But there's the inverted fork, the rims, etc...

fun, cool, obvious, the FMX is a great machine for discovering motorcycling and/or supermotarding. While its looks are right up there, its heart isn't quite as fried. And the Renthal handlebars are no consolation for the ultra-sparse dashboard. Surely, at less than €6,000, it would have put a serious trump card in its pocket... It did for the 2006 model year - but too late.

M.B - manufacturer's photos